$14K donated to US fountain change theft suspect

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (AP) — More than $14,000 has been donated online to help a U.S. woman who said she stole change from a courthouse fountain to buy food and was charged with petty theft.

Police allege Deirdre Romine took $2.87 from a fountain at the Logan County Courthouse in Ohio this month. Romine has said she didn’t think the money belonged to anyone and she was jobless and trying to feed herself and her cats.

Police Chief Brandon Standley says Romine lied when an officer questioned her and found the change. He says that’s why the officer determined a citation was merited.

The 38-year-old Romine pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled next month. Officials hope to resolve the case sooner.

WBNS-TV and the Bellefontaine Examiner say more than $14,000 has been raised for Romine.